Service Learning Reflection

I have been primarily volunteering at the SOL garden. Early on during my volunteer work Miles, the garden coordinator, took notice of my love for painting. Thus, I’ve been given various art projects every time I’ve shown up. I am currently working on the main sign for the SOL garden, which is placed right outside the fence facing the oncoming street. My vision for the mural in which Miles assigned me, is for it to have various mushrooms growing at the bottom, and have trees at the top with failing leaves covering most of the board. Currently, I only have the lettering and grass done, but Miles made sure no one else was going to touch it!

            Although I’ve been mainly painting, I have done some gardening work such as pulling weeds and planting rye in one of the raised beds. I learned how to make seed mixes and how to extract seeds from various plants and flowers. I also got to talk to Miles about building a mushroom garden in the shady corner of the SOL garden. Academically, I learned many hands on techniques in regards to planting foliage, nurturing it, and also what soil sows the best crops.

            After planting the rye, I came back a few weeks later to check on it. To my surprise, it had grown almost completely! I was shocked as well as extremely pleased to see what my hard work had done. I now understand what people mean when they say that gardening can be therapeutic, nurturing and watching what your hard work can do is able to make one feel refreshed. Personally, I learned that I would love to have my own little garden of my own to take care of. I also learned that I love getting my hands dirty, and that this would be a great stress relief for me.

            When painting, I have been collaborating with Anneisia with projects. We first visualize what we want done, then I sketch it out for us, and then we fill it in with color. I have been learning valuable collaboration skills thanks to my service learning experience, and I learned that I am capable of working with partners very well.

            In the future I definitely want to have my own garden, and even educate people more on gardening as well as the health benefits associated with it. Since taking this class and gardening, I have been developing healthier lifestyle choices. For example, I have been eating a lot healthier and I have been primarily eating the salads and vegetables at brown. (However, tomorrow is my cheat day because my friend found out she has $300 left on her declining balance and is going to buy us all personal pizzas) So hopefully I will keep up my healthy lifestyle choices and will definitely continue to try and keep up with volunteer work.

Fooooood

        Ron Finley's TED talk was both moving as well as inspiring. He discusses life in the inner city, showing how deprived the city is of fresh foods, but a large abundance of fast food chains. South Central has the most vacant lots per square mile in America. He puts this into perspective by stating that there are enough vacant lots in South Central to fill 20 Central Parks. His proposal is to build gardens around the city and to teach children about eating fresh fruits and vegetables. This will not only educate the young ones, but will also lower obesity rates, give the people of the city a therapeutic hobby, and will give the people of the city fresh produce, which they have no access to.
        I found Ron Finley's piece to be deeply inspiring. In fact, his TED talk makes me want to grow a garden of my own. I agree that everyone should try their hand at gardening and feel as though everyone should have their own garden. Like Finley so eloquently states, "growing your own food is like growing your own money."
        David Biello's "will organic feed the world," discusses the potential solutions to restrain environmental issues and increase the production of whole foods. Studies were conducted to show the difference between organic yields and synthetic yields, indicating that organic yields are lower than its' counterpart. This raises the issue of whether or not organic will be able to feed our ever-growing world. I found this article to be interesting due to it bringing to light an ugly truth: that our world is growing faster than our demands, making it hard for the food industry to keep up. I agree with Biello's solution in that we should asses, "many alternative management systems, including conventional, organic, other agro-ecological, and possibly hybrid systems to identify the best options to improve the way we produce our food." (Biello 235)
        In "Biotechnology isn't the key to feeding the world," Frances Moore Lappe discusses the issue of food access in America. The hungry people across the nation do not allow their voices to be heard, and the author points out that democracy is needed in order to sustain food security. It disturbs me that capitalism is part of the reason for these big fast food chains taking over, and I believe another green revolution is needed.

The Omnivore's Delusion/Delima

        The Hurst and Pollan debate on agriculture discusses the effects of modern agriculture on the economy as well as how it effects the body, and its humane implications. Pollan feels as though modern agriculture is demonizing food as we know it, not only making it unhealthy, but doing so through un-humane practices, such as the mass production and slaughter of animals. On the flip side, Hurst argues that we can not feed 5 billion people, or the world, without using modern technology. 

        I find myself sympathizing with Hurst more than Pollan. Hurst creates a strong ethical appeal, since he is coming from the standpoint of someone in the agricultural business rather than someone who has not lived the farming lifestyle. In Hurst's article, "The Omnivore's Delusion: Against the Agri-intellectual", which is a rebuttal against Pollan's book, "The Omnivores Delima," he discusses why modern technology is efficient, better for the economy, and has the ability to feed more people. He argues that technology has brought us closer and closer to ending world hunger, and the GMOs aren't all harmful in that they can be create larger crop yield and even put more vitamins into the plant; Therefore, "Farmers have reasons for their actions, and society should listen to them as we embark upon this reappraisal of our aggricultural system," (Hurst 213) 

        Pollan, whom is also the creator of the "Food Inc" documentary, makes very strong points when he argues that food as we know it is loaded with corn starch and corn sugars. It indeed has been increasing obesity rates in America, since corn syrup is used in almost every sugary foods. However, halting the usage of the corn crop would be illogical since corn is used in over 100 different ways from making baby diapers, fuel, and other products. 

Equality for Animals

           Peter Singer discusses the harsh conditions animals face, and why it is no longer needed for us to eat meat in his article, Equality for Animals.” He also makes the point that humans can achieve long, healthy lifestyles without the need for the consumption of flesh. The argument that we need to eat meat solely for protein has become outdated in that there are many different alternatives we can utilize to obtain protein. Such alternatives include protein bars, peanuts, tofu, and many more varieties.

            Singer opens up with a strong ethical appeal, in that he puts animals in our shoes when vouching for them. An example of this would be when he states that when,” considering the ethics of the use of animal products for human food in industrialized societies, we are considering a situation in which relatively minor human interest must be balanced against the lives and welfare of the animals involved.” (Singer 179) The main point Singer makes, is that he is not just vouching for animals, but for equality itself. He doesn’t believe that major interests should be sacrificed for minor interests.

            I agree and disagree with Singer’s point of view. I agree that the industrialization of animal products needs to stop, and that they shouldn’t live their lives cooped up in crowded and disgusting living conditions. I also agree with the fact that it is indeed possible for us to live without eating meat.

However, he doesn’t consider the cost of living a vegan lifestyle. One has to be financially stable in order to be able to afford the alternative foods. For example, soy and almond milk are considerably more expensive than regular milk, and not every family in the US can afford that. He also fails to look at the global scale, in that some countries continue to fight for their lives and can barely make it hunting for animals.  In counties like the Philippines, there are still people living on the streets, having to eat dogs because those are the only wild animals they can get their hands on. So although I respect his flowery argument for animals, I don’t believe it is realistic worldwide.

Service Learning Reflection 2

So, for the past few weeks I have been spending a fair amount of time working at the SOL garden. I helped in building a soil sifter and building raised beds. Both tasks were pretty straight forward, the hardest part was probably getting the measurements right. Both projects consisted of drilling four planks together to create a rectangular-like shape, however, we added a galvanized mesh screen to the soil sifter in order to pull apart the chunks of soil as well as get rid of any rocks.

Although learning carpentry work was very rewarding, what I'm most proud of is the bench I got to paint with Anneisia for the SOL garden. It became a personal project for us that only Anneisia and I were allowed to touch. At the bottom we painted it green for the grass, and at the top we made the sky, and a rainbow in between. The rainbow wasn't meant to represent gay pride, but everyone has misconstrued it that way, so I've just been rolling with it.

Another really cool thing I got to do at the SOL garden was learn how to make a seed mixture, and plant it into one of the beds. I've never planted anything like this before, so this experience was pretty exciting for me. Working with the community has really taught me a lot about team effort and how to get along with others. I also never learned how much I love gardening and eating fresh vegetables until I went through these experiences. I tend to get bored really easily, so thankfully there's always something to be doing at the SOL garden. In fact, Miles, the guy who runs the garden, talked to me about planting mushrooms here soon, so I'll be anxiously looking forward to that. 

Obesity in America

            Back in 2012, New York put a ban on 32-ounce sodas in an effort to combat America’s ever growing obesity epidemic. However, the ban enraged many politicians, making this an extremely controversial topic. In James Suroweicki’s article, “Downsizing Supersize,” he reflects upon the ban and argues that although it may upset the majority of people, it is very likely to work.

            Surowiecki appeals to the reader by using a purely logical appeal. He references many different psychological findings to show that the ban would be extremely effective in that it will make it harder for individuals to get a 32-ounce serving if they have to buy two 16-ounce servings. Surowiecki uses the M&M test as an example, which “suggests that most of us don’t have a fixed idea of how much we want; instead, we look to outside cues-like the size of a package or cup-to instruct us.” (Surowiecki 124)

            Everyone can agree that Asians tend to be a lot thinner than Americans. This is largely due to the difference in portion sizes. When you go to an Asian country, the portion sizes are immensely smaller than they are here. In fact, the smallest cup size here is the largest size in Asia. You can imagine my family’s astonishment when I was 10 years old, visiting the Philippines, ordering a large ice cream cup. “Are you serious? Can you really eat that much,” My relatives would ask me. And I would just tell them that I was used to that serving size.

            That being said, Surowiecki makes a valid point when he states that changing the size of our portions will make a big impact, as well as making it harder for individuals to obtain over-excessive amounts of food to intake.

            Dhruv Khullar’s argues a similar point in his article, “Why Shame won’t stop Obesity.” Just like Surowiecki, he discusses a states attempt to combat obesity in America. However, he disagrees with Georgia’s ‘fat campaign.’ Khullar also uses psychological approaches in order to create a logical appeal to the reader.

            Georgias campaign in order to stop obesity was to air fat shaming commercials on TV. Khullar disagrees with such campaigns by stating that, “it increases the stigma on those already struggling with the psychological consequences of being overweight, and shifts the focus of obesity control efforts to personal responsibility at a time when, for many individuals, options for improving eating habits may be limited.” (Khullar 128) This creates not only a logical appeal, but also an ethical one by connecting to human experiences.

            Instead of totally disagreeing with the campaigning, Khullar gives alternative options to the problem. The three initiatives he lays out are to, “provide monetary incentives to promote the production of and access to fresh and healthy food,” “minimize junk food advertising,” and to “center on education and empowering youth to make informed decisions.” (Khullar 129) The initiatives the author lays out make the article a lot more persuasive in that he not only addresses why there’s a problem, but also comes up with reasonable solutions.

            I, personally, agree with both the articles in that obesity has become a serious problem in America. I think that if we promote healthy lifestyles, then we can become a happier and more productive nation.

            

“The Pleasures of Eating” and Food Justice Reading Response

In Wendell Berry’s piece “The Pleasures of Eating,” the author defines what is means to “Eat Responsibly” (Berry 64). What Berry means by this, is that everyone should be more aware of where your food comes from, get involved in food politics, learn about local farms, and to educate oneself about food in general. The article itself is very opinionated and although he gives strong arguments and gives exceptional evidence for being food conscious, he fails to recognize socio-economic factors that can affect a person’s food choice. The healthier and organic foods tend to be significantly more expensive than the cheap rubbish most people eat, which is why obesity rates are higher amongst the lower class.

            That being said, I agree with him on the basis that if one does have the resources to eat organically, one should make an effort to become more involved with food politics. So, I do believe that the practices he lists in order to eat more responsibly are important, and should be practiced by those who have the means to do so.

Before I started working, I took part in a handful of the practices he lists out. I had a small garden in our yard, avoided fast food as much as possible, and did my best to eat organic and healthy foods. And, to be quite frank, nothing compares to a cherry tomato eaten right off the plant. However, when I started working, a lot of my time, as well as my energy and efforts, were consumed by my job. The garden died and I paid no mind to what I was eating (I worked at a frozen yogurt shop that also had gourmet popcorn and shakes). And right now I don’t necessarily have the means to cook or garden my own food. However, when I do have a place of my own and can feasibly afford the foods I want, I definitely plan on going back to my old lifestyle, and adopt more practices laid out by Wendell Berry.

Gottlieb, Joshi, and Berry have similar arguments in that they all view organic, fresh foods as a necessity for all people, however Gottlieb and Josh outline socio-economic problems that Berry fails to mention. In Food Justice, Joshi and Gottlieb discuss the problems within poorer areas of the country in regards to the availability of healthy food. They do so by taking several statistics within the regions, and have come to the conclusion that fresh markets are among the lowest percentage of food places within these regions. Where Berry argues and preaches his ideals, Gottlieb and Joshi look at the underlying causes as to why some American’s are forced to live unhealthy lifestyles.

Locally Grown

         

            Asheville has been widely regarded as one of the most progressive cities in North Carolina. The city has been said to be “ahead of the curve,” in not just politics, but also green living and sustainability.  The South Side kitchen is a wonderful representation of that. The South Side kitchen is almost completely self-efficient, with its solar panels and garden where they grow all their produce to create delectable dishes. You can’t drive five minutes in Asheville without seeing a “locally grown” sign, the city is extremely proud of the fresh produce and GMO free lifestyle. Rarely will you see people itching to get at commercially, or mass-produced foods.

            And what I have also noticed is that the city puts a great emphasis on healthy living. There are vegan and vegetarian options almost anywhere you go, and even meals that are high in nutrients. The fresh, locally grown, foods taste almost better here than anywhere else, and you can clearly tell when you’re sitting at a local restaurant, trying the Ashevillian foods. I’m a military brat, so I’ve moved around quite a bit. (I’ve lived in almost 10 different cities) And I can honestly say that Asheville is one of the healthiest, and most progressive places I have lived.